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Evinrude Donates $2 Million in Engines to ABYC Foundation to Combat Industry-Wide Technician Shortage
Canadian Pro Gustafson Feels At Home In Georgia, Takes Lead At Bassmaster Elite
| Canada’s Jeff Gustafson leads the opening round of the Toyota Bassmaster Elite At Lake Lanier with 19 pounds, 2 ounces.
Photo by B.A.S.S. / Seigo Saito
Feb. 14, 2019 |
Canadian Pro Gustafson Feels At Home In Georgia, Takes Lead At Bassmaster Elite
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GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Jeff Gustafson said coming into this week that Lake Lanier on the
historic Chattahoochee River was probably his favorite fishery in the lower 48 United States.
Thursday didn’t do a thing to change his mind.
The 36-year-old first-year Elite Series pro from Keewatin, Canada, caught five bass that weighed
19 pounds, 2 ounces and took the lead in the Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier. He said
the lake reminds him of home — even though he is more than 2,000 miles away, fishing for
green spotted bass instead of brown smallmouth.
“Obviously, today was a lot more fun for me than last week when I had two fish to start out my
Elite Series career in Florida,” Gustafson said. “I’m not catching a lot of fish, but I got some good
ones today.”
Gustafson learned to love Lake Lanier last year when he finished seventh here in an FLW Tour
event. He said that prior knowledge told him what was swimming in the lake — but not how to
catch them this week.
“It’s completely different this year,” he said. “I didn’t catch fish off any of the places that I did
last year.
“But I like fishing for spots. These things act a lot like the smallmouths do up at Lake of the
Woods, where I live.”
Gustafson’s two biggest fish — both spotted bass in the 4-pound range — were the first two he
put in his livewell. His finesse tactics included a jerkbait, a swimbait and other lures he said
were “really no secret.”
His biggest obstacle of the day was the light line he’s using to target fish in the clear water. He
said he broke off two bass in brushpiles that could have helped him eclipse the 20-pound mark.
Gustafson’s bag topped a day that was dominated by healthy spotted bass that looked like they
had all swallowed footballs. David Mullins of Mount Carmel, Tenn., was second with 17-12,
followed by Virginia pro Rick Morris with 17-6 and Californian Chris Zaldain with 16-15.
Like Gustafson, Mullins said his experience with smallmouth — albeit on Tennessee’s Cherokee
Lake — played a role in his Day 1 success.
“This lake fishes a lot like home, where you have a window in the morning for about an hour
and half to two hours and then it kicks back up in the evening,” Mullins said. “It’s the same way
at home — and if you have wind, it seems like they’ll bite all day long.
“The wind just didn’t blow much today.”
Mullins wasn’t the only angler who said the flat, calm conditions made the fishing tougher
Thursday. Likewise, he wasn’t the only one excited about Friday’s forecast that calls for clouds,
increased winds and rain showers beginning around 1 p.m.
“If it stays cloudy with a low ceiling all day, I feel like I’m going to catch them,” Mullins said.
“When I don’t catch them is when it gets sunny and slick.”
Morris, a noted shallow-water expert, said he leaned on his background from Upstate New York
to find the Lake Lanier spots.
“I grew up with a spinning rod in my hand,” Morris said. “When I first went pro in the Opens, I
had all spinning rods on the deck — didn’t even know how to throw a baitcaster. I have
spinning-rod skills, and I had to apply them today.”
Though he said he’d rather be fishing fast, he used a slow finesse game Thursday around deep
structure.
“I caught probably a dozen fish,” Morris said, “so I feel pretty confident that I can go out and
probably catch 13 to 14 pounds tomorrow.”
One of the few big largemouth brought in Thursday belonged to Indiana pro Bill Lowen. It
weighed 6-14 and claimed the lead in the race for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the week.
Patrick Walters, who took the lead in the DICK’S Sporting Goods Rookie of the Year race last
week with a fourth-place finish on the St. Johns River, had another stellar day Thursday. The 24-
year-old South Carolina pro caught five bass that weighed 16-12 and finished tied for fifth place
with Ray Hanselman Jr.
“I came into the season thinking (Toyota Bassmaster) Angler of the Year,” Walters said. “If you
think like that — and fish like that — Rookie of the Year will take care of itself.” As the leader in
the DICK’S Sporting Goods Rookie of the Year race, Walters collected $500. He’ll get another
$500 if he retains the lead after this week’s Elite event, and $10,000 if he earns the crown at
season’s end.
Other bonus awards winners from the Power-Pole Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River last week
were Rick Clunn, who won $1,000 for being the Toyota AOY leader and John Crews Jr., who
collected the $1,500 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for his 11-2 largemouth.
The tournament resumes Friday, with takeoff scheduled for 6:45 a.m. from Laurel Park in Hall
County and weigh-in back at the park at 3:10 p.m. Only the Top 35 anglers will advance to
Saturday’s semifinal round.
Takeoffs Saturday and Sunday will also be at 6:45 a.m. from Laurel Park, but the weigh-ins will
shift to Coolray Field on Buford Dr. in Lawrenceville, Ga., at 4 p.m.
2019 Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier 2/14-2/17 Lake Lanier, Gwinnett GA. (PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1 Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$ 1. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 5 19-02 100 Day 1: 5 19-02 2. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 17-12 99 Day 1: 5 17-12 3. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 5 17-06 98 Day 1: 5 17-06 4. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 5 16-15 97 Day 1: 5 16-15 5. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 16-12 96 Day 1: 5 16-12 5. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 5 16-12 96 Day 1: 5 16-12 7. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 16-11 94 Day 1: 5 16-11 7. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 16-11 94 Day 1: 5 16-11 7. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 16-11 94 Day 1: 5 16-11 10. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 16-06 91 Day 1: 5 16-06 11. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 16-01 90 Day 1: 5 16-01 12. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 5 15-15 89 Day 1: 5 15-15 12. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 15-15 89 Day 1: 5 15-15 14. Drew Cook Midway, FL 5 15-14 87 Day 1: 5 15-14 14. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 15-14 87 Day 1: 5 15-14 14. Jesse Tacoronte Kissimmee, FL 5 15-14 87 Day 1: 5 15-14 17. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 5 15-11 84 Day 1: 5 15-11 18. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 15-08 83 Day 1: 5 15-08 19. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 15-07 82 Day 1: 5 15-07 20. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 15-06 81 Day 1: 5 15-06 21. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 5 15-02 80 Day 1: 5 15-02 22. Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CA 5 15-01 79 Day 1: 5 15-01 22. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 15-01 79 Day 1: 5 15-01 24. Hunter Shryock Newcomerstown, OH 5 14-15 77 Day 1: 5 14-15 25. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 5 14-12 76 Day 1: 5 14-12 26. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 5 14-10 75 Day 1: 5 14-10 27. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 5 14-08 74 Day 1: 5 14-08 27. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 14-08 74 Day 1: 5 14-08 29. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 14-06 72 Day 1: 5 14-06 30. Derek Hudnall Baton Rouge, LA 5 14-04 71 Day 1: 5 14-04 30. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 14-04 71 Day 1: 5 14-04 32. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 14-00 69 Day 1: 5 14-00 33. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 13-15 68 Day 1: 5 13-15 34. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 13-13 67 Day 1: 5 13-13 35. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 13-12 66 Day 1: 5 13-12 36. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 5 13-11 65 Day 1: 5 13-11 37. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 13-10 64 Day 1: 5 13-10 38. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 5 13-08 63 Day 1: 5 13-08 39. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 13-05 62 Day 1: 5 13-05 40. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 13-03 61 Day 1: 5 13-03 41. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 13-02 60 Day 1: 5 13-02 42. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 5 13-00 59 Day 1: 5 13-00 43. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 12-15 58 Day 1: 5 12-15 44. Greg DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 12-13 57 Day 1: 5 12-13 45. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 12-12 56 Day 1: 5 12-12 46. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 12-11 55 Day 1: 5 12-11 47. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 12-08 54 Day 1: 5 12-08 48. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 12-07 53 Day 1: 5 12-07 49. Frank Talley Temple, TX 5 12-04 52 Day 1: 5 12-04 50. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 5 11-15 51 Day 1: 5 11-15 51. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 11-14 50 Day 1: 5 11-14 51. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 5 11-14 50 Day 1: 5 11-14 53. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 5 11-13 48 Day 1: 5 11-13 54. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 11-09 47 Day 1: 5 11-09 55. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 5 11-07 46 Day 1: 5 11-07 56. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 11-05 45 Day 1: 5 11-05 57. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 5 11-04 44 Day 1: 5 11-04 58. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 4 11-04 43 Day 1: 4 11-04 59. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 5 11-03 42 Day 1: 5 11-03 59. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 5 11-03 42 Day 1: 5 11-03 61. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 5 11-01 40 Day 1: 5 11-01 62. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 11-00 39 Day 1: 5 11-00 62. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 11-00 39 Day 1: 5 11-00 64. Rob Digh Denver, NC 5 10-13 37 Day 1: 5 10-13 65. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 4 10-13 36 Day 1: 4 10-13 66. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 5 10-10 35 Day 1: 5 10-10 67. Shane Lehew Catawba, NC 5 10-06 34 Day 1: 5 10-06 68. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 5 10-02 33 Day 1: 5 10-02 69. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 09-10 32 Day 1: 5 09-10 70. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 4 09-10 31 Day 1: 4 09-10 71. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 5 09-05 30 Day 1: 5 09-05 72. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 4 08-07 29 Day 1: 4 08-07 73. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 3 06-03 28 Day 1: 3 06-03 74. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 2 05-06 27 Day 1: 2 05-06 75. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 0 00-00 0 Day 1: 0 00-00 ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------- Totals Day #Limits #Fish Weight 1 68 361 988-08 ------------------------------ ---- 68 361 988-08
Lee Lays Claim to Shotgun Round Heavy Weight with 32-2 on Lake Conroe
Montgomery hooked a giant fish as his boat official started the 10-count to the end of the
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MLF pro Andy Montgomery’s 9 lbs, 6 oz. largemouth was the Berkley Big Bass of the Day and anchored his 25-11 weight that put him in 2nd place in today’s Shotgun Round for Group B.
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round, and pulled the fish over the gunwale just as his official called “time’s up” for the period. It was deemed a legal catch: 9-6, easily the biggest fish caught in the two Shotgun Rounds and the Berkley Big Bass of the Day.
WILLIE McMULLEN WINS D72 ABA on SINCLAIR February 9,2019
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Willie McMullen of Oxford, Ga took home the first place trophy and $824 cash on Febuary 9, 2019 on Lake Sinclair at the Bass Pro Shops Fishing Tournament for D72. He had a limit of five bass, with a total scale weight of 19.74 pounds. Several anglers weighed in five pounders, but Willie took home another trophy for Big Bass with a 5.98 pounder and additional cash of $240 for the optional big bass pot. Willie said he caught his fish using a jig on sea walls and docks. His total earnings for the day was $1,064!
Mark Whidby of Haddock, Ga also had a five fish limit and won $548 cash for second place with a sack totaling 16.83 pounds. He secured his sack with a 5.04 pounder. Mark was presented the second place trophy.
Kip Carter, Chad Wilson, Lance Collins, and Jody Weldon all followed closely with weights over 14 pounds. They all had a successful day on the lake and brought a five fish limit to the scale.
Forty eight anglers participated in the tournament for D72, running out of Dennis Station DNR ramp. The weather remained cloudy for most of the day, and temperatures ranged from 35 degrees at blast off to mid 40’s at 3 o’clock. The water temperature was in the mid 50’s, and the lake is still stained from recent rain.
Congratulations to the Top Ten:
| 1st | Willie McMullen | 19.74-lbs |
| 2nd | Mark Whidby | 16.83-lbs |
| 3rd | Kip Carter | 14.90-lbs |
| 4th | Chad Wilson | 14.57-lbs |
| 5th | Lance Collins | 14.52-lbs |
| 6th | Jody Weldon | 14.06-lbs |
| 7th | Carl Hayes | 12.30-lbs |
| 8th | Les Charles | 12.25-lbs |
| 9th | Jerry Jones | 10.90-lbs |
| 10th | Steven King | 10.38-lbs |
After the awarding of trophies and cash payouts, there were drawings for the anglers present. Four $50 bills were won by Aaron Batson, Tommy Cooper, Swinton Sikes, and Mike Blackshear. Jody Weldon and Jay Carter won an 8 ounce bottle of G-Juice from T-H Marine. Thanks to Danny Taylor for assisting with morning boat checks and weighing fish in the afternoon.
The next tournament for D72 will be February 16, 2019 on Lake Oconee going out of Sugar Creek Marina.
Please contact Director Benny Howell at 770-365-4795 for more information.
About American Bass Anglers – American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler while offering an upward path for individual angler progression. For more information about American Bass Anglers and all their bass tournament trails visit www.americanbassanglers.com.
American Bass Anglers is sponsored by: Bass Pro Shops, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Tracker Boats, MotorGuide, Garmin, T-H Marine, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Engel Coolers, Four Roses Bourbon, Lucas Oil, Optima Batteries, Maui Jim, and Power-Pole. Mailing address: American Bass Anglers, Inc, PO Box 475, Athens, AL 35612 PH (256) 232-0406.
Hunter Harwell Wins ABA North Carolina Opener February 1,2019
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ATHENS, Ala. – Hunter Harwell of Hickory, North Carolina won the Bass Pro Shops Open Series North Carolina event held on Lake Norman on 2/1/19. Running out of the Pinnacle Wildlife access in Mooresville North Carolina, Harwell weighed in a five bass limit totaling 12.46-pounds. His limit was anchored by a bass weighing 3.18-pounds. Harwell took home a check for $2600.00 for the win.
“I made the last-minute decision to switch over from a co-angler to a boater and that was one of the best decisions I have made in a while. I caught my fish on a variety of baits. I caught some on a swimbait, crankbait, and a jerk bait. I had my fish before 11:00,” said Harwell.
In second for the boaters, Kelly Logan of Morganton, North Carolina weighed in a five bass limit weighing 11.01-pounds.
“I had 5 keepers today. I caught them on a crankbait very shallow in about 5 feet of water,” said Logan.
Taking third for the boaters, Michael Stephens of Gastonia, North Carolina, weighed in af ive bass limit weighing 10.34-pounds.
“I caught fish early on a shallow running crankbait and when that bite died, I moved out and caught some in the 40-foot range with a football head jig,” said Stephens.
In fourth place for the boaters, Scott Hamrick of Denver, North Carolina weighed in four bass weighing 10.21-pounds. Rounding out the top five, Michael Fox of Statesville, North Carolina weighed in five bass weighing 9.95-pounds.
The big bass honors for the boaters was caught by Michael Fox of Statesville, North Carolina for a bass weighing 3.40-pounds. Fox collected $500.00 for his bass.
In the Co-angler Division Shane Maultsby of Huntington, West Virginia won with three bass weighing 6.92-pounds with a 2.71-pound kicker fish. Maultsby pocketed $1300.00 for the win.
“I used a variety of baits today. The bite was really slow for me until around 2:00. I caught around 15 fish today,” said Maultsby.
Taking second for the co-anglers, Thomas McDermott of Madison, North Carolina weighed in a three bass limit weighing 6.60-pounds.
“At 7:37 I had already boated two keepers on a jerk bait,” said McDermott. “The bite just stopped after that. I didn’t catch my third keeper until 3:00.”
Taking third for the co-anglers, Chris Anderson of Mooresville, North Carolina weighed in three bass weighing 6.27-pounds.
“I caught 4 keepers today in deeper water on a jig,” said Anderson.
In fourth for the co-anglers Ronald Hearn of Mt. Holly North Carolina, weighed in two bass weighing 6.19-pounds. Rounding out the top five, Adam Gum of Princeton, West Virginia weighed in three bass weighing 6.13-pounds.
The big bass for the co-anglers was a 3.39-pounder weighed in by Adam Gum. He collected $265.00 for his bass.
Top 20 Boaters (FULL RESULTS)
| PL | Angler | Fish | Penalty | Big Bass | Total | Points | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hunter C. Harwell | 5 | 0.00 | 3.18 | 12.46 | 250 | 2600 |
| 2 | Kelly W. Logan | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 11.01 | 249 | 1250 |
| 3 | Michael D. Stephens | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 10.34 | 248 | 950 |
| 4 | Scott Hamrick | 4 | 0.00 | 2.92 | 10.21 | 247 | 800 |
| 5 | Michael L. Fox | 5 | 0.00 | 3.40 | 9.95 | 246 | 1100 |
| 6 | Jake Frye | 5 | 0.00 | 2.83 | 9.60 | 245 | 500 |
| 7 | James Wall | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 9.38 | 244 | 450 |
| 8 | Randy A. Childers | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 9.22 | 243 | 375 |
| 9 | George V. Baucom | 5 | 0.00 | 2.15 | 9.17 | 242 | 263 |
| 9 | Matthew B. McBee | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 9.17 | 242 | 263 |
| 11 | Richard Rick J. Bradford | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 8.76 | 240 | 200 |
| 12 | Jeffrey Queen | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 8.26 | 239 | 0 |
| 13 | Paul G. Tsiolkas | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7.63 | 238 | 0 |
| 14 | Parks Jones | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7.57 | 237 | 0 |
| 14 | Patrick L. King | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7.57 | 237 | 0 |
| 16 | James Jay S. Salloum | 5 | 0.00 | 2.55 | 7.52 | 235 | 0 |
| 17 | Jason Wilson | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7.33 | 234 | 0 |
| 18 | Dan Funderburk | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7.17 | 233 | 0 |
| 19 | Richard Scott Henley | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7.07 | 232 | 0 |
| 20 | Jeff Hager | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 6.73 | 231 | 0 |
Slated for March, 9th the next event for the North Carolina Division will be held on Lake Wylie launching from South Point Wildlife Access.
About American Bass Anglers – American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler while offering an upward path for individual angler progression. For more information about American Bass Anglers and all their bass tournament trails visit www.americanbassanglers.com.
American Bass Anglers is sponsored by: Bass Pro Shops, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Tracker Boats, MotorGuide, Garmin, T-H Marine, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Engel Coolers, Four Roses Bourbon, Lucas Oil, Maui Jim, Optima Batteries and Power-Pole. Mailing address: American Bass Anglers, Inc, PO Box 475, Athens, AL 35612 PH (256) 232-0406.
A Conversation with Costa FLW Winner Nick Thliverous & Liberty University Fishing President Coleman Roberts
Costa FLW Winner Nick Thliverous gives a look back at the biggest win of his career & Coleman Roberts president of the Liberty University Fishing club gives us a look at the 2019 season & what we can expect.
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Making the Next Step by Evan Fleming Feb 13,2019
I finally had the chance to catch up with BASS Open rookie co-angler, Chris Fleming. I got to know Chris few years back while fishing small local tournaments. Chris and I fished against each other on a small lake located in far Southwest Virginia, known as John W Flanagan Reservoir in Dickenson County. Flanagan is Chris’ home lake, he grew up in the town where the marina is located, Haysi, Virginia.
I caught up with Chris after his first event in Florida on Harris Chain of Lakes. He got off on the right foot with a day one weight of 7 pounds 10 ounces. He fell on day two with a small limit, finishing up 72nd. He was pretty optimistic after the tournament, saying “ you never know as a co-angler, you could zero or be around a big bag both days”.
My main questions for Chris were not, “what bait did you throw?” or “what depths did you fish?” My questions to Chris were, “How does a man from small town Haysi, Virginia end up making the jump to fishing in Leesburg, Florida?” “How do you know when its time to go from local club tournaments, to fishing on a national stage?”
The first words out of Chris’ mouth were “timing is everything, especially while being a father and a husband.” He followed up by saying “I had fished locally for a while, and got to where I felt I could handle my own with some of the best around the house.” This is when he made the decision to step up his game from local, to regional. The next step involved fishing FLW BFL events as a co-angler and eventually even as a boater. Chris said the hardest part about tuning over the reigns to someone else as co-angler was, “ you cant really predict what may happen.” “You’re hoping your boater puts you on fish, you just have to catch the fish that are put in front of you.”He set goals for himself, he wanted a top five in a BFL competition. He also wanted a top ten in co-angler of the year. After two years worth of BFL’s events, Chris was able meet those goals.
After meeting those goals, it was time to set new ones. He sat down, did research, and realized in order to fulfill them, it was time for a change. He decided to get there, he needed to switch from FLW BFL’s to BASS OPEN events. “ I knew this would let me travel to Florida, up North, and tidal fisheries. It would let me cover most of what I was anxious to learn about.” He fished one Open Event last year to test the waters. “I really just wanted to be around some of the pros. I wanted to see how they carry themselves throughout the tournament and just in general.”
It was time for him to make an even larger step in order to chase his dreams. “Up until now, everything I have done has been completely out of my own pocket. I have a wife and a son, so I have to be smart about what I do and how deep to go into this.” He had to ask himself some questions. “ Is this what I really want? Can I really make a living in the fishing industry?.” His answers: “Absolutely! This is what I want to do with my life!” In order to make ends meet and be able to fish the way he needed to, and be able to make it in this industry, he knew he was going to need some help. Chris’ past success helped him to team up with Belchers Insuance Agency, WOO Tungsten, Solar Bat sunglasses, and Enigma Fishing Rods.
Chris has been lucky enough to practice with some veterans in the tournament industry for OPEN events. He said “It’s really helped me step up my game. To me fishing is about soaking up everything you can, from everyone you can.” He added by saying “Don’t step up too fast. Set goals for yourself and once you reach them, then move up. It can be intimidating at times, I found myself overwhelmed last year at Lake Cumberland. I found myself paying more attention to the pros around me, than worrying about catching my own fish.” He went on to say “You have to trust in your own abilities, you meet your goals in the last step you made. You can hang with these guys, keep your head down and keep fishing”.
When You Should Be Fishing With A Barrel Swivel – MTB
When You Should Be Fishing With A Barrel Swivel
Barrel swivels are certainly one of those topics in the fishing world that isn’t that glamorous but it can be very important. A swivel is a valuable (but relatively inexpensive) piece of terminal tackle that enables anglers to be more efficient on the water. This small piece of hardware can be the difference maker between a good and a bad day of fishing. They have numerous uses and anglers need to know when and why to use swivels. In fishing, there are a few types of swivels and each has its time, place, and purpose.
What Is A Barrel Swivel?
When you hear the word “swivel”, your mind probably pictures the most common type; the barrel swivel. A barrel swivel is nothing more than an (oftentimes) small line “connector”. In the most basic terms, this type of swivel allows an angler to tie two separate sections of line to each of its ends. The swivel then allows each section of line to rotate independently of each other.
Using Barrel Swivels In Deep Water
Barrel Swivels are particularly useful when fish ultra-deepwater with a drop shot rig and the fishing line has the tendency to twist many times when reeling in. This twisting decreases the overall strength of the line and can cause breakage well below its poundage rating. Barrel swivels are also useful when fishing baits like weightless flukes, senkos, and pre-rigged worms. The constant flipping and twirling motion of these baits tend to also cause line twist and cause bad hook sets and unnecessary breakages.
Typically, anglers will use a two to four-foot section of line between the barrel swivel and the lure. This ensures the lure is far enough away from the swivel and its natural action is not impeded. The use of a barrel swivel also allows anglers to use two different types of line if they so choose but is not necessary.
Double Up With A Barell Swivel
For example, when fishing a fluke, many fishermen will use a braided line as the “base” line, or the line attached to the fishing reel. This allows for longer casts, better accuracy, and no-stretch hooksets. For their “leader”, or the line from the bottom of the barrel swivel to the lure or hook, anglers will oftentimes use fluorocarbon line. Fluorocarbon is virtually invisible to fish but is typically stronger than monofilament. With this approach the angler’s finesse rig gets the best of both worlds; a strong setup that is unseeable to fish.
Line twist is a big deal. Losing the fish of a lifetime to this common pitfall is no fun and will make an angler rethink the basics of terminal tackle. The barrel swivel is an often overlooked piece of fishing equipment. However, just like other unglamorous aspects of the sport, it is necessary for anglers to know when and where to use this invaluable tool.
SAM RAYBURN RESERVOIR SET FOR WEEKEND OF FLW YOUTH BASS-FISHING TOURNAMENTS
SAM RAYBURN RESERVOIR SET FOR WEEKEND OF FLW YOUTH BASS-FISHING TOURNAMENTS
YETI FLW College Fishing tournament set for Friday, Bass Pro Shops FLW High School Open tournament to follow Saturday
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LUFKIN, Texas (Feb. 12, 2019) – Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) is set to visit east Texas next week, Feb. 22-23, with the YETI FLW College Fishing event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir and the Bass Pro Shops FLW High School Fishing Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The tournaments, hosted by the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau, will showcase some of the top young anglers from across the region competing for cash and prizes and angling for their chance to advance to the FLW College Fishing National Championship and High School Fishing National Championship events.
“If the weather stays consistent, we should see some really high weights in these tournaments,” said FLW Tour pro Nick LeBrun, the 2018 BFL All-American who has six top-10 finishes on Sam Rayburn in FLW competition. “The fish are currently still in prespawn mode and they are going to be piled up in staging areas. For the most part, the high school and college anglers are going to be able to catch them any way they want to.”
LeBrun said the lake is still around 10-feet higher than normal this time of year, which has the massive fishery fishing even bigger than normal. LeBrun suggested that the best strategy for teams in the respective one-day events would be to pick one section of the lake and stick with it.
“Rayburn can be overwhelming at normal pool, and when it’s 10 feet higher it is even more than that,” LeBrun said. “If they don’t have a whole lot of experience there I’d suggest just picking out a 3- to 5-mile stretch and focusing on breaking down that area. That may just be one creek, or two, but the lake is healthy and you can catch fish almost anywhere.
“If I was fishing the event, I’d work on catching a solid limit early from the off-shore prespawn piles of fish, then when that bite dies down I would go flipping the rest of the to find the big 7- or 8-pounder,” LeBrun continued. “For the prespawners you’re going to want to throw anything that puts off a lot of vibration and that you can retrieve real slow. I did pretty well throwing a ¾-ounce V&M Baits Big LeBoom spinnerbait at the FLW Tour event, but I’d also have a red Rat-L-Trap tied on. When they go flipping, anything that resembles a crawfish will do well. I suggest a V&M Baits Flat Wild with a ½- or ¾-ounce weight.”
LeBrun went on to predict that the winning team in both events would need to bring right around 24 to 25 pounds to the scale.
The college anglers will kick off competition on Friday, Feb. 22, at 7 a.m. CST at Cassels-Boykin Park, located at FM Road 3123 in Zavalla, Texas. The weigh-in will be held at the park Friday at 3 p.m. The high school anglers will then compete on Saturday, Feb. 23, launching at 7 a.m. from the park and weighing in at 3 p.m. All takeoffs and weigh-ins are free to attend and open to the public, and will be streamed live online at FLWFishing.com.
YETI FLW College Fishing teams compete in three regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. All participants must be registered, full-time students at a college, university or community college and members of a college fishing club that is recognized by their school. The top 10 teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual FLW College Fishing Open will advance to the 2020 FLW College Fishing National Championship. Additional teams will qualify for the National Championship if the field size in regular-season events exceeds 100 boats. The Potomac River and Marbury, Maryland, will play host to the 2019 FLW College Fishing National Championship, June 4-6, 2019.
The Bass Pro Shops FLW High School Fishing Open tournaments are free, two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and open to any FLW and Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school clubs. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships will advance to the 2019 High School Fishing National Championship on Pickwick Lake in June. The High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow YETI FLW College Fishing and the Bass Pro Shops FLW High School Fishing Opens at Facebook, Twitter, Instagra
About FLW
Bryan Kirkpatrick & Eddie Fore Win CATT Kerr Feb 9,2019 with 20.33 lbs
2019 Academy Sports CATT Championship June 1-2 Kerr Lake!!!
$10,000.00 1st Place GUARANTEED! (1st Place in 2018 Took Home $25,000.00!)
New Nutbush Ramp – Kerr State Park!
A team or solo angler must fish 3 CATT events to Qualify!
You can get in your 3 events by fishing any CATT Fall 2018 and CATT Spring 2019!
The 3 events do not have to be in the same CATT Trail!
$200 Per Team Entry
Optional Platinum BONUS $100
Optional BONUS $50
Next Kerr Spring Qualifier is Feb 24 at Occoneechee 8 am to 4 pm!
Bryan Kirkpatrick & Eddie Fore brought in 5 Kerr bass weighing up at 20.33 lbs and took home $1,565.00!
2nd went Bryan Cotrell & Ellis Jones with 18.94 lbs and they weighed in the BF at 6.20 lb! $1,308.00!
3rd 18.63 lbs Charlie Reed & Dennie Gilbert
Ryan Reynolds & Kenny Reynolds 4th with 18.45 lbs!
| Big | Total | |||
| 44 Team | Fish | Weight | Winnings | Points |
| Eddie Fore – Bryan Kirkpatrick | 5.07 | 20.33 | $1,565.00 | 110 |
| Ellis Jones – Bryan Cotrell | 6.20 | 18.94 | $1,308.00 | 109 |
| Charlie Reed – Dennie Gilbert | 5.59 | 18.63 | $560.00 | 108 |
| Ryan Reynolds – Kenny Reynolds | 5.43 | 18.45 | $225.00 | 107 |
| Scott Moser – Travs Owen | 4.98 | 17.79 | $160.00 | 106 |
| Mark Nickles – Mike Nickles Jr | 5.97 | 17.76 | $232.00 | 105 |
| Derrek Bowden – Matt Little | 4.08 | 16.98 | $110.00 | 104 |
| Aaron Falwell – Steven Coleman | 4.04 | 16.98 | $100.00 | 103 |
| Michael Carden – Mike Cox | 4.25 | 16.91 | 102 | |
| Shawn Evans – Joey Scott | 4.23 | 16.83 | 101 | |
| Alan White – Mike Vaughn | 3.87 | 16.43 | 100 | |
| Ryan Roller – Gary Colwell | 4.06 | 16.26 | 99 | |
| Craig Wright – Larry Freeman | 0.00 | 15.70 | 98 | |
| Kevin Dawson – Joey Dawson | 5.83 | 15.48 | 97 | |
| Terry Easter – Randy Waterman | 5.73 | 15.26 | 96 | |
| Tyler Trent – Jacob Lloyd | 4.73 | 15.20 | 95 | |
| Spencer Barrow – Robert Perkins | 4.11 | 15.17 | 94 | |
| Brian Calloway – William Hubbard | 3.51 | 14.68 | 93 | |
| Eddie Glascok – Billy Dunn | 3.91 | 13.18 | 92 | |
| Kevin Cheatham – Johnny Wilder | 0.00 | 13.13 | 91 | |
| Jason Houchins – Danny Houchins | 3.31 | 12.95 | 90 | |
| Justin Dalton – James Joyner | 3.87 | 12.88 | 89 | |
| Stump Bledsoe – Glenn Elliott | 4.18 | 12.57 | 88 | |
| Brent Williams – Justin Dyson | 0.00 | 11.98 | 87 | |
| Jay Fogleman – Tate Fogleman | 0.00 | 11.39 | 86 | |
| Vinson Nettles – Mike Cole | 2.59 | 11.32 | 85 | |
| Ben Dalton – Collin Bennett | 3.42 | 10.98 | 84 | |
| Mike White – Dana Moore | 0.00 | 8.26 | 83 | |
| Roger Clary – Justin Rhew | 0.00 | 8.19 | 82 | |
| Frank Bowers – Mike Franklin | 0.00 | 8.11 | 81 | |
| Kevin Alemon – Monte Alemon | 0.00 | 7.06 | 80 | |
| Jimmy Henderson – David Bullock | 3.50 | 5.37 | 79 | |
| Heath Pait – Donnie Davis | 0.00 | 4.68 | 78 | |
| Billy Orr – John Parsons | 2.76 | 4.45 | 77 | |
| Jesse Stanley – Danny Stanley | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Gabriel Soto-Hernandez | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Bobby Overby | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Elvin Jennings -Cathy Eades | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Phil Smith – Lonnie Whitfield | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Clay Samples – Tyler Purcell | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Brandon Rogers | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Tim Thurman – Thomas Terrel | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Joey Talbott – Michael Dean | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Ray Emerson – Trip Emerson | 0.00 | 0.00 | 76 | |
| Total Entrys | $3,520.00 | |||
| BONUS $ | $1,350.00 | |||
| Total Paid At Ramp | $4,280.00 | |||
| Kerr 2019 Spring Final Fund | $510.00 | |||
| 2019 CATT Championship Fund | $50.00 | |||
| 2019 Kerr Spring Final Fund Total | $510.00 | |||
| 2019 CATT Championship Fund Total | $2,755.00 |